There’s a quiet exhaustion sweeping through so many women right now — and it’s not just from too little sleep or too many emails.
It’s from trying to do everything right.
Eat organic. Meditate. Juice. Journal. Prep healthy snacks. Do Pilates. Take your supplements. Limit screen time. Be positive. Reduce toxins. Track your hormones. Declutter your pantry. Buy low-tox lipstick…….. And don’t forget to drink more water and prioritise self-care.
Somewhere along the line, health-giving living became a full-time job… and ironically, it’s making us tired.
As a naturopath and biochemist, I’ve always stood for the power of natural health — but I also know firsthand what it’s like to push too hard in the name of doing better. Recently, I had a week that brought me to my knees. A week where I’d said yes to so many things — family events, business projects, home tasks, and emotional labour — that even if I hadn’t slept for seven days, I still wouldn’t have finished everything on my list.
And I’m not exaggerating!
I remember stopping in my tracks, half-laughing, half-crying, thinking I need to follow Michael Keaton in that ’90s movie ‘Multiplicity’ and clone myself.
But even if I did… there still wouldn’t be enough of me to go around.
That week was my wake-up call!!
We’ve normalised the “busy woman syndrome” —
— that relentless pressure to be everything for everyone. To work, parent, cook, plan, hold emotional space, run a household, and now… biohack our health on top of it all.
And don’t get me wrong — I firmly believe in quality nutrition, daily movement, and living in harmony with your hormones. But if your wellness routine is causing stress, pressure, and guilt, then it’s no longer wellness. It’s another form of perfectionism dressed in yoga pants.
I’ve had to strip things back. Reduce the noise. Simplify. And honestly? I’m still coming to terms with this slower, softer, more nourishing way forward.
But what I know for sure is this:
Simplicity creates space.
Space to breathe. To feel. To rest.
And that’s where healing actually begins.
So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the “shoulds” in the wellness world — you’re not alone. And more importantly, there’s nothing wrong with you.
You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated.
You’re just carrying too much.
And maybe — just maybe — the healthiest thing you could do this week… is let something go.
Gentle Self-Reflection:
- Where in your life can you choose “less” to feel more alive?
- What habit is bringing you stress instead of support?
- How would it feel to start small and honour what’s actually possible in your current season?
Need help creating a health plan?
And if you need help creating a health plan that works with your real life, not against it, I’ve created a free resource just for you: The Anti-Overwhelm Wellness Plan.
It’s designed to help you strip back the noise, find your rhythm, and make space for what truly nourishes you — without adding to your to-do list.
And if you’d like personalised support, you can book a Naturopathic Consultation with me — where we’ll look under the hood and build a tailored plan to get your spark back.
Teressa
Naturopath + Biochemist
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
